The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) has discovered hundreds of new species of plants and insects in the Jebel Hafeet area in Alain, UAE. Abu Dhabi Terrestrial Baseline Survey, initiated by the EAD in 2012 helped in discovering these new species in the mountainous region. Many of these are endangered species also. The Dwarf Palm is a very unique variety.

Amazing to know that 238 species of invertebrates and 320 species of insects not known earlier have been recorded in Abu Dhabi in the last few years. These include scorpions, camel spiders, spiders, pill bugs and centipedes. Unique mammals such as the Arabian Tahr, Blanford's Fox and Red Fox have been identified.

The EAD has shifted its focus from the earlier method of preserving species to adopting an approach of protecting ecosystems. The Abu Dhabi Terrestrial Baseline Survey enjoys the support of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the EAD.

The EAD's goal is to create databases for long -term monitoring of all habitats. This survey will provide a snapshot of Abu Dhabi's terrestrial wildlife, vegetation and patterns of land use. The agency completed surveying the Western Region in Abu Dhabi last year.